Acer platanoides 'Crimson King' – Planting & Care Guide

About Acer platanoides 'Crimson King'

Acer platanoides 'Crimson King', commonly known as the Crimson King Norway Maple, is a magnificent deciduous ornamental tree renowned for its rich, deep purple foliage that retains its colour from spring through autumn. Unlike many purple-leaved trees that fade during the summer, 'Crimson King' maintains its striking burgundy-purple leaves throughout the growing season, creating a dramatic focal point in any landscape.

In spring, clusters of small yellow-green flowers appear before or alongside the emerging foliage, providing an attractive contrast against the dark leaves and an early nectar source for pollinating insects. Growing to approximately 10–15 metres tall with a spread of 8–12 metres, it develops into a broad, rounded tree that provides excellent shade and year-round structure.

Planting Guide

• Plant in full sun or partial shade.
• Full sun produces the richest foliage colour.
• Prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil.
• Suitable for loam, clay and sandy soils.
• Tolerates both acidic and alkaline soils.
• Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Position the tree with the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil.
• Backfill with soil enriched with compost or well-rotted organic matter.
• Firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Apply a generous mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk.
• Allow 8–10 metres of space for the mature canopy to develop.

Care & Maintenance

Acer 'Crimson King' is a hardy, easy-care tree once established.

• Water regularly during the first two growing seasons.
• Once established, water during prolonged dry periods.
• Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser if required.
• Apply fresh mulch annually to conserve moisture and improve soil fertility.
• Keep the base free from grass and weeds while establishing.
• Stake young trees if planted in exposed locations.
• Avoid prolonged waterlogging.

Pruning

Very little pruning is required.

• Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches during late autumn or early winter.
• Avoid pruning in late winter or spring, as maples may bleed sap.
• Lightly shape young trees if necessary to establish a strong framework.
• Remove any suckers or shoots arising below the graft.
• Always use clean, sharp pruning tools.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Acer platanoides 'Crimson King'
• Common Name: Crimson King Norway Maple
• Plant Type: Deciduous ornamental tree
• Mature Height: 10–15 metres
• Spread: 8–12 metres
• Flower Colour: Yellow-green
• Flowering Period: April to May
• Foliage: Deep burgundy-purple throughout the growing season
• Autumn Colour: Purple to bronze before leaf fall
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout Ireland and the UK

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Acer 'Crimson King' is perfect for adding bold foliage colour and structure.

• Specimen tree
• Large gardens
• Parkland planting
• Avenue planting
• Lawn feature
• Urban landscapes
• Estate gardens
• Wildlife-friendly gardens
• Shade tree
• Contemporary and traditional gardens

It combines beautifully with silver-leaved trees such as Birch, golden-foliaged shrubs, ornamental grasses, Hydrangeas and spring-flowering bulbs.

Seasonal Interest

• Yellow-green flowers appear in early spring before the leaves fully emerge.
• Rich purple foliage provides dramatic colour throughout spring and summer.
• Dense canopy offers welcome shade during warmer months.
• Autumn foliage develops attractive bronze and purple tones before falling.
• Strong branching structure creates architectural interest during winter.

Common Problems

Acer 'Crimson King' is generally healthy and dependable.

• Aphids may occasionally affect young shoots.
• Tar spot can appear on leaves but is mainly cosmetic.
• Verticillium wilt is rare but can affect maples growing in poorly drained soils.
• Leaf scorch may occur during prolonged drought or extreme heat.
• Planting in fertile, well-drained soil and providing water during dry periods will help maintain healthy growth.

With its striking deep purple foliage, elegant rounded canopy and excellent hardiness, Acer platanoides 'Crimson King' is one of the finest ornamental trees for creating year-round impact in Irish gardens. Whether planted as a specimen tree or incorporated into larger landscape designs, it provides outstanding colour, shade and structure with very little maintenance.

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
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